NEWARK — Serving as the "thin blue line" between calm and chaos can be a dangerous job, especially in the state's largest city, U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said.

Fishman, joined by Mayor Cory Booker, Police Director Samuel DeMaio and dozens of law enforcement officials, gathered today in City Hall to honor more than 60 Newark police officers recognized for exceptional valor and service in the department's annual awards and promotional ceremony.

The awards recognized individual acts of heroism, such as when Sgt. Thomas Ruane responded to a car accident and dived into a vehicle engulfed in flames, rescuing two people, including one victim who was on fire, June 29.

"Every one of you put yourselves in harm's way," Fishman said. "Your courage, to me, is breathtaking."

The awards also highlighted department teamwork. Last January, Detectives Ramon Candelaria, Michael Ramirez and Vincent Feliciano were conducting a routine traffic stop that could have turned deadly.

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After stopping a motorist for speeding, the detectives smelled marijuana and asked the driver to exit the vehicle. Police say the driver reached for a handgun in his waistband and tried to drive away, dragging Feliciano and Ramirez and striking Candelaria and Sgt. Christopher Gialanella. The four officers arrested the suspect and recovered both drugs and the weapon.

"We don't get the opportunity to say 'thank you' nearly as often as we should," DeMaio said to the officers, family, friends and politicians gathered in City Hall's municipal chambers for the event.

Newark officers work hard to keep the streets safe, but the city has many challenges, said Chief Sheilah Coley, referencing the shooting death of an 18-year-old Weequahic High student from roughly 24 hours earlier.

The event also honored fallen Newark police officers with the ringing of a bell for each officer.

In addition to the police officers honored, seven youth from the Newark Police Explorers were promoted and Newark residents Sandra West and Candido Arroyo were recognized for community service.